For the 2026 school year, there are 11 special education public elementary schools serving 1,643 students in Tennessee.
The top-ranked special education public elementary schools in Tennessee are Shrine School, West Tennessee School For The Deaf and Ft Sanders Education Development Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tennessee special education public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Tennessee public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 36% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary school average of 43% (majority Black).
Best Special Education Public Elementary Schools in Tennessee (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Shrine School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4259 Forest View Dr
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 416-2400
Gr: PK-12 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
West Tennessee School For The Deaf
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 Berryhill Dr
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-5705
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-5705
Gr: PK-6 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Ft Sanders Education Development Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
501 S Twenty-first St
Knoxville, TN 37916
(865) 594-5035
Knoxville, TN 37916
(865) 594-5035
Gr: PK-1 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 53:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Harris-hillman Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1706 26th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-8085
Gr: PK-12 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #55.
Tenn School For Blind
Special Education School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 231-7300
Gr: PK-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Tennessee School For Deaf Elementary School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2725 Island Home Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 579-2500
Gr: PK-6 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Knox Adaptive Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5719 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 909-9020
Gr: PK-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Murrell At Glenn School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
322 Cleveland St
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 298-8070
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 298-8070
Gr: K-8 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #99.
Cora Howe School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1928 Greenwood Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 612-2545
Gr: K-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
Avon School
Special Education School
310 Avon Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Memphis, TN 38117
(901) 416-2124
Gr: K-12 | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: n/an/a
Tennessee School For The Deaf Nashville
Special Education School
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 231-7300
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 231-7300
Gr: PK-5 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked special education public elementary schools in Tennessee?
The top-ranked special education public elementary schools in Tennessee include Shrine School, West Tennessee School For The Deaf and Ft Sanders Education Development Center.
How many special education public elementary schools are located in Tennessee?
11 special education public elementary schools are located in Tennessee.
What is the racial composition of students in Tennessee?
Tennessee special education public elementary schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Tennessee public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
